Thanks for you query into homes in Maine, and in particular, Falmouth.

There are a number of homes currently for sale with a minimum of 5 acres, and priced below $1,000,000 in Falmouth. Unfotunately, this forum does not allow me to send a link to the listing information for these homes.

I also know a few Brits who live in the Greater Portland area, and I am sure they would be happy to talk with you.

If you would like the listing information sent to you, have any additional questions, or would like more information, feel free to email me at Jennifer.DeSena@NEMoves.com.

We see this fairly often, and there is a buyer for everything, so you have options. You don't say whether the mobile is in decent condition or not. You could remove the mobile (sell it or give it away as personal property to someone who will haul it off) and then sell the land. Or, you could sell the mobile on the land (real estate), but if the mobile is not habitable, the value of the property is pretty much reduced by a buyer's cost of removal/disposition. You are probably looking for a cash buyer, or you could offer Seller financing. Depending on how old the mobile is, there may be a local bank who will offer financing. If you work with a real estate agent in your area, they can view the property, recommend as to value, and make appropriate suggestions - - they may be able to list the property as a single family home and also as land so that anyone looking for either type of property will find it. Good luck!... more

Hi Coletta - currently this home is still for sale and does not indicate that it is a short sale. Please contact me if you would like more information about this house, or any other in this area. Best of luck!... more

Using an IRA to purchase a home is a great alternative to conventional investments, however you cannot personally use the property or make improvements to it if it remains in your retirement account. There are numerous self directed IRA holding companies who specialize in distributing funds and paying bills associated with your real estate, as you cannot directly do so. I've e found the best source for information is through these different holding firms as it is not an oft used strategy and most accountants are not well versed in this technique. That said make sure you accountant is part of the conversation before you pull the trigger.... more

I screen all my tenants. First, I call all their personal references and places(s) of employment. It has been a work of evolution over the years to learn what questions to ask since sometimes people can be deceitful. There are also questions you cannot legally ask so make sure you are aware of these.

I also pay an outside firm to run complete state and federal background checks. These are mostly involving criminal, court, financial and out of state items. A separate form for the potential tenant is needed for them to sign that allows the checks to be made.... more

Hello,
I would love the chance to help you. I am real estate agent in Clarksville, TN and i work for Coldwell Banker. We pride ourselves in helping families nationwide. If you would like I can connect you with a great local agent to help answer any of your questions. Give me a call, text, or email anytime and I will make sure you are well taken care of.
Andrew Fox
Coldwell Banker Conroy, Marable, and Holleman
111 S Riverside Dr. Clarksville, TN 37040
Cell 931-302-2241
Office 931-552-1700
afoxrealty@gmail.com... more

More info: I love the house and it's affordable. I've been approved for a mortgage contingent on one last thing:insurance binder.

The house has "knob and tube wiring" which is very old and dangerous, and no insurance company will insure it, even on condition of it being fixed after closing. I have the option, before closing, of paying a minimum of $2,000 to get the basics rewired, but there is always the chance that the insurance or the sale will not go through, in which case I'm out $2k.

Is there any way around this catch-22?

There's a good chance that the house will not sell anytime soon since anyone else using a mortgage to buy it will have the same problem.

Should I...?

1. Walk away for now, avoid April property taxes, heating bill etc, save more money, and come back in the spring? I would risk house being sold (unlikely) or not getting mortgage approval second time around.

2. Risk $2k and get it over with?

IS it common or ever done at all that a buyer would fix something on a home before owning it?... more

Hi, this would be a question for a mortgage lender - may I suggest Glen over at Residential Mortgage Services (local underwriting and processing). He can run some different options for you.Call 207-991-4925.... more

Hi Helen,
A quick snapshot of 5 homes in the last 12 months from today (12/20/12), indicates
Average listing price of $153,740 with selling price range of 94% of that figure.
Small sample group so the variables are many...:(
Foreclosure and distressed sales are skewing the figures.
Hope this helps... more

First off, you can't really even call them. Even if you had a number. Secondly, they won't even talk to you. Banks will never talk to buyers, ever. So, no, the won't ever tell you something like that.... more

South Portland is a very nice town to live in, I have never heard of any unsafe areas, but I would contact the South Portland Police department and address this question to them. What are you looking for for a rent, # bedrooms, SF home,apartment,condo etc: Let me know and I'd be happy to help you find a place.... more